After limb loss, the journey back to your confidence can seem like a twisting, rocky path. But it’s a journey worth taking, and BioTech has 3 tips to help youregain confidence after limb loss!

Tip #1: Think Positive

Okay, we know – this one sounds too simple and cliché. But here’s the thing – scientists have actually discovered that positive and negative thoughts have totally different pathways through your brain. Without getting into the nitty gritty details, positive thoughts must be filtered before they are processed, whereas negative thoughts have a green light without filters. That means you’re not the only one whosethoughts go negative first – and it takes actual effort to think in a positive way.

Tip #2: Challenge Yourself and Make Goals

Sitting around all day thinking about how un-confident you feel isn’t going to change a thing! Instead, try setting some attainable goals for yourself and stretching your abilities a little bit each day. Achieving things, and feeling like you have made progress, will go a long way in increasing your self-confidence and your positive outlook on the future!

Tip #3: Think about the Root of Your Confidence Issues

Even after you start to feel more confident, you’ll probably have days where you fall into a “funk.” That’s normal for anyone, not just people with limb loss! But if it lasts longer than you think it should, try to pinpoint the cause of it. What are you believing about yourself? What are you thinking about others’ opinions of you? Is there an action step you need to take – something as simple as getting out of the house, or something as radical as switching careers? Consider the source of why you’re feeling down, and then think about how you might make a positive change.

Need Someone in Your Corner? Call BioTech!

Whether you’re looking for anexpedited fitting for your prosthetic device, or you just need someone to answer a few questions, BioTech is always ready to treat you like family.Contact us today for more information on how we can help you recognize all the possibilities in your life!

If you’re interested inCrossFit, you may be feeling a strange mixture of intrigue and intimidation. Will the other CrossFitters accept you? Will the trainers be able to help you? How are you even going to do this?!

While everyone’s experiences are different, it is possible to start CrossFit after limb loss – and to find the courage to get active again!

Determine Your Goals

Before you actually go to a CrossFit gym, give them a call and explain your situation. The coaches will ask you about what you think you can do, what you are struggling with, and what you are looking to get out of your CrossFit experience.

Obviously, these goals are great for those who areusing a leg prosthesis, but your goals may be different. Come up with a few goals that make sense for you, and communicate them to the coaches.

Go with a Positive Outlook

CrossFit bills itself as inclusive, not exclusive. There are multiple ways to adapt every movement so that people with and without limb loss, young people and older people, can all work out together doing the same exercises in a variety of forms and intensities.

Don’t do something you feel legitimately uncomfortable with, but do try to step outside of your comfort zone as much as possible. Doing something that requires you to be brave will help you develop confidence in your abilities, regardless of how many limbs you have!

Always ask questions if you don’t feel comfortable with one of the movements or if you feel like you need a different adaptation. The coaches are there to help you, and they want you to succeed!

Make sure you celebrate the small wins and the bigger accomplishments. If you stick with it and trust your coaches, CrossFit can be a great way to get back into physical activity and feel better!

BioTech Can Help You Meet Your Fitness Goals

We’re experts on all things prosthetic, which means when it comes to helping you regain your confidence as an athlete, we are ready to do whatever it takes to get you there! Whether it’s exploring CrossFit options, checking out a different type of gym, or working out at home, BioTech can give you the advice you’re looking for.Contact us today for more information!

There are few amputees who don’t struggle with body image issues after limb loss. Although many people assume women’s body image struggles are worse than men’s, this isn’t really the case; men have the same problems women have.

Even if your amputation is planned and you feel likeyou have mentally prepared for what’s coming, you’ll probably still get hit with body image issues. So what’s the best thing to do if this happens? How can you learn to love your body again?

Embrace Your Individuality

The first thing to know is that everyone’s path to acceptance looks different. We wish we could outline a step-by-step program that would have you loving your body in 3 weeks or less! But that’s just not reality.

Whether you’re in denial about what’s happened, or you’re just beginning to glance into the mirror for the first time, accepting your new body is going to take some time – and it won’t happen the same way for any two people.

Process Your Feelings

Others may applaud you for your bravery, especially once you begin returning to work or school. You might be tempted to “fake it” for a while – acting like you are fine with your new body, even though you aren’t.

While total transparency may not be an option for you in the workplace, you should seek out a safe space in which to expresshow you really feel, deep down. Maybe you feel a lot of self-loathing because of your amputation, even though you’re not to blame for it. Maybe you can’t look in the mirror without crying. Maybe you are struggling to even get through the day.

This will get easier, but in the meantime, a counselor or trusted friend can help you vent your fears, anger, and frustration in a safe way. Give yourself the resources you need to move through this process – don’t stuff your feelings away.

Give It Time

As you learn to live with limb loss, you will become accustomed to your new body shape. You’ll learn to give yourself grace as you deal with difficult, sometimes irrational, emotions. By putting words to your emotions, you will find that they become easier to handle – which means you’ll move through them at a healthier pace. Soon, you will see strength and resilience in the mirror instead of an incomplete body – and that’s when you know you’re well on your way to loving your body again after limb loss.

Happy Valentine’s Day from BioTech!

No matter where you are in your limb loss journey, BioTech is here to show you some love! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, andcontact us for all your prosthetic and orthotic needs!

If you’ve recovered from your lower-extremity limb loss to the point that you’re moving pretty well and you have a decent range of motion, you may be ready to try some exercises that will help you build strength. As always, before you start any kind of exercise program, you should talk with your doctor and your prosthetist to determine whether you are ready for something like this. You don’t want to rush it – but if your body is ready, it can be a great way to start feeling more normal!

Read on to learn about some exercises you can do after lower-extremity limb loss.

Seated Push-Up

Put a sturdy chair against a wall so that it won’t tip over. Sit in the chair and place your hands on the armrests. Push down onto the armrests, raise your hips a couple of inches off of the seat, and then bring yourself back down. For more of a challenge, lift one leg during the exercise.

Partial Squats

While holding on to something sturdy, distribute your weight evenly onto both legs, and squat as if you were sitting on a tall stool. Don’t try to do a full squat – just a partial one. Repeat 10 times. Strengthening the thigh muscles will make it easier to sit and rise from a chair.

Pelvic Tilt

Lying on your back, with or without your prosthesis, bend your hips and knees to a 90 degree angle. Place your hands just above your knees, and press down with your stomach muscles to flatten the small of your back. Keep your thighs still. Hold steady for two to three seconds, breathing normally. This move strengthens the abdominal muscles (stomach). For more of a challenge, lift your head.

Even Weight Bearing

Think about how much weight you have on each leg. Many people with limb loss put all of their weight onto the unaffected leg, using the prosthesis as a crutch. Make an effort to stand with your weight evenly on both legs while you perform one daily task, such as talking on the phone or making coffee. By being aware and changing this one habit, you can make improvements in your balance on a daily basis.

Braiding

Using a sturdy piece of furniture for balance assistance, take a few steps to one side, crossing your prosthetic leg in front of, and then behind, your unaffected leg. Stand up as straight as possible and use your hands only for balance, if you can. If your amputation is above the knee, stick with small steps so that you don’t put too much weight on the toe of your prosthesis. This could cause the knee to bend.

BioTech Is Here for You!

Whether you need help with a fitting or advice for after-amputation care, BioTech is here to help.Contact us today for all your prosthetic needs!

Prosthetic devices don’t last forever, and eventually, you’ll need to replaceyour current prosthesis with a new one. Generally speaking, prosthetic devices are not reused in the United States due to legal issues; but it is possible to disassemble used limb prostheses and ship them to other countries for people in need.

If you’re looking for a way to donate an old prosthesis, the organizations listed below may be able to accept them, depending on their program’s current needs.

Hope to Walk

Hope to Walk designs and develops functional, affordable prosthetic devices. They also have a delivery model that allows the poorest in the world to have an opportunity to walk. They accept donations of lower-limb prostheses and/or parts.

Limbs for Life Foundation

The Limbs for Life Foundation collects and distributes used prostheses and prosthetic componentry, totally free of charge, to amputees in Third World countries. They use parts to create prostheses for their recipients, which reduces the costs for the prosthetist. This organization also accepts unused socks or liners.

Prosthetic Hope International

Prosthetic Hope International’s purpose is to keep surplus usable P&O goods from being sent to landfills while so many people around the world are in desperate need of prostheses and orthoses. This organization provides a clearinghouse to individuals, P&O facilities, manufacturers, and distributors that allows them to make tax-deductible donations of new and gently used prosthetic items, and new orthotic items.

Standing With Hope

Standing With Hope is a faith-based prosthetic outreach program that ministers to West Africa. They accept donations of socks, liners, used prostheses, and other prosthetic supplies.

Your Donation Could Change Lives!

If it’s time for a new prosthesis, your old one could change someone’s life. The list above is not an exhaustive list of donation options, so if you don’t see an organization near you, it’s worth doing some research to see if there’s one close to where you live that we haven’t listed.

Don’t forget to call BioTech for your next prosthesis fitting – we offerexpedited fittings for our out-of-town patients, so your schedule can always be accommodated!Contact us today for more information.

Almost everyone experiences some type of “blues” during the winter months. This can be related to the holidays, the shorter days, or the gloomier weather – but hardly anyone is immune! For a new amputee, though, these already difficult months can feel even harder than usual.What are these emotions, and how can you deal with them?

Look for Symptoms

The first thing to do is look for signs that you are experiencing some form of depression. These symptoms may include:

Changes in appetite or eating patterns

Low energy levels

Changes in sleeping patterns

Poor concentration

Decreased interest or enjoyment of activities you used to like

Loss of interest in sex

Withdrawal from friends and family

Feelings of hopelessness, unreasonable guilt, or worthlessness

Emotions expressed without genuine feeling

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s possible that you are dealing with depression, which may be compounded by the winter season.

How to Deal with Winter Depression

Physically speaking, there are certain things you can do to make the season easier for you. Get plenty of rest, make a point to get out of bed and get dressed every day (and leave the house if possible), and eat healthy foods that won’t give you a sugar crash. Do whatever kinds ofexercises you are able to do without pain – get those endorphins running! Avoid alcohol and any other drugs that you don’t absolutely need for medical reasons. And whatever you do like about yourself – now is the time to really focus on those things!

Emotionally, it’s important that you tell someone how you are feeling, and let them remind you that you’re not alone. This may be a licensed counselor or a trusted friend, but you need a confidant. Spend time doing things that bring you some amount of joy, like watching a movie or getting takeout from your favorite restaurant. You don’t need to try to force yourself to “be happy.” Take a little while to do what you need to do in order to feel better. You can also contact an Amputee Coalition Support Group. If you’re not sure where to find one, contact the Amputee Coalition office toll-free at 1-888-AMP-KNOW for information and help.

Mentally, try to avoid making big decisions during this time. Make a commitment to working with your medical professionals, even when you don’t feel like it, so that they can help get you back to feeling normal. Speak positively instead of negatively about yourself and your body. You may not believe what you’re saying right now, butyou can change your thought patterns – and it starts with deciding to change them. If needed, consult a psychotherapist to help you with this.

You’re Not Alone!

Here at BioTech, we’re so much more than just a prosthetics and orthotics company. We love our patients like family, and if you need some friendly advice to help you get through the winter, we are more than happy to help.Contact us today for more information!

After you’ve lost a limb, your old clothes may not work as well anymore. Even if they still fit, it may be far too labor intensive for you to maneuver them over aprosthetic device, fasten a lot of buttons, or to reach as far as you need to in order to get something on! So what can you do? The answer lies in adaptive clothing, which is clothing and footwear designed specifically for people who may have a restricted range of motion or otherwise have difficulty dressing themselves.

What Is Adaptive Clothing?

Designed for post-surgery individuals, people with disabilities, elderly people, children and adults with developmental delays, people with arthritis, and – of course – people with limb loss, adaptive clothing is meant to make the dressing process easier and smoother. It provides easy access to specific body parts without requiring the complete removal of the garment, saving its wearer a lot of time and energy.

Adaptive clothing comes in a variety of styles and with a wide range of medical purposes in mind. Most of them have zippers that make it easy to access a body part without removing the clothing, allowing the person wearing the garment to maintain a certain level of independence. Additionally, it allows for fast access to medical devices (such as a prosthesis) for both the patient and a nurse or caregiver.

What Options Are Available?

Among the many different forms adaptive clothing can take, you will find:

Important Qualities for Your Adaptive Clothing

When shopping for adaptive clothing, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, you don’t want something that’s going to feel abrasive or irritating. Secondly, make sure that the design allows you to stay modest and dignified! With wrap-around items in particular, you want a generous amount of overlap, and – if you are in a wheelchair – a high-backed garment.

Make sure you check the location of fasteners. You don’t want an excessive amount of pressure to be applied to a sore or tender area, because this can produce sores, which can get infected. Also look for high-quality fabrics that will stand up to a rigorous usage and cleaning schedule so that you don’t end up with a fraying or stretched-out garment!

More Questions? BioTech Is Here!

Whether you’re interested in adaptive clothing or you’ve got questions about post-op care, BioTech is here to help.Contact us today and let us take great care of you!

It’s a new year – but when you’re entering a new year with limb loss for the first time, what can you expect? You may be feeling like there’s nothing “happy” about the new year at all – or perhaps you’re sitting at the other side of the extreme, determined to get back to normal life before January is even over.

As 2017 gets off to a start, we’ve got some tips for you that can make this new year a happy one. Read on to find out more!

Make Self-Care a Priority

No matterhow you’re feeling about the loss of your limb, taking care of yourself can be hard for lots of reasons. If you’re feeling down, you may not feel like doing anything, including self-care. On the other hand, if you’re feeling super optimistic and ready to get the ball rolling on a full recovery, you may not take enough time to focus on yourself and your needs!

Take a moment to assess how you feel. Hopeful? Dreary? Energized? Sluggish? Understanding your current emotional state is the key to knowing how to proceed. Regardless of where you fall on the emotional spectrum, take a day or two for processing your thoughts and feelings. Prepare your favorite meal, spend some time journaling, finally get around to reading that book you’ve had laying around forever. Then, once you’re in a peaceful state of mind, consider the year ahead.

Visualize Your Future Self

Where do you want to be in December? What are some realistic, fulfilling goals you can set? Write them down and make a plan to celebrate the small accomplishments you’ll achieve this year on your way to your ideal end-of-year goal.

For example, if you’re hoping to be comfortable and skilled with your leg prosthesis at some point this year, make that your ultimate goal – and then create sub-goals that will help you get there. Start by making sure your prosthesis fits perfectly. Then, with the help of the professionals at BioTech,start learning to walk on it. Celebrate every step, every set of stairs climbed, every downhill slope navigated. You can do this, andwith the right attitude, you will!

Call BioTech for Help and Advice

Who says you can’t make New Year’s resolutions just because you’ve lost a limb? There are plenty of goals to make and accomplishments to dominate, and BioTech is here to help you reach them. Whether you’re looking for help with your prosthesis or you just need someone to talk to,contact us today – we’re not satisfied until you feel ready to conquer the world!

The winter months can be hard for everyone – transportation gets trickier, the sidewalks can get slippery, and if it snows, just forget about it! But when you’re new to limb loss and trying to adjust to your prosthetic device, things can be even more challenging. Check out these winter limb loss tips that will make your life easier!

Challenges Amputees Face in the Winter

Winter can pose a whole new set of challenges for people with limb loss. Newer prostheses are often mostly constructed of metals that are left exposed, and when the weather gets really cold, that chill can creep through the socket into your residual limb.

Another challenge is walking on ice. Typically, when a person walks on an icy surface, they walk almost completely flat footed to compensate for the lack of traction. But when you have a leg prosthesis, your ankle can’t always adapt that way – which means slipping is a very real possibility.

Solutions for These Issues

The best option for keeping your prosthesis and your residual limb warm this winter is insulation. If you’re not sure what that looks like or where to find it, there are all kinds of options, from sleeves to liners and more. Just make sure to bundle up, even if you’re not wearing your prosthesis – your residual limb can get very irritated and start to hurt from the cold weather.

(As a side note, it’s advised that you don’t skip wearing your device in the winter – so do your best to be consistent!)

When it comes to walking on ice, there arebionic ankles that can bend with greater acuity than ever before. But if that’s not something you’re interested in, there’s also a wide variety of shoes with exceptional traction that can help you stay upright on an icy surface.

Want More Winter Limb Loss Tips?

Here at BioTech, we’re experts on winter prosthetic technology and caring for your device. Make sure you’re comfortable and safe this season bycontacting us for more information about wearing your prosthesis in the winter!

If you’re a snow skier entering your firstwinter after limb loss, you may be wondering if you’ll ever be able to enjoy skiing again. BioTech has good news – snow skiing with a prosthesis is totally possible! Read on for tips to get back on the slopes.

Outriggers

These devices resemble ski poles and are used to maintain stability as you wind down the mountain. At the end of the poles are mini-skis, which allow you to put one down if you lose your balance without disrupting your groove!

Some above and below knee amputees choose not to wear a prosthesis while skiing, opting to use outriggers while skiing only on their sound leg. This is called the “three track method.”

Types of Prostheses for Snow Skiing

There are some great options for amputees looking to enjoy snow skiing with a prosthesis. In fact, these devices can be used for other sports that involve similar motions, too, like wakeboarding and waterskiing. Knee disarticulation and above knee amputees would likely want a foot and knee combination, while below knee amputees can use a simple foot component. This can be attached directly to the ski binding, or it can be combined with a foot shell that is shaped for snowboard boots.

If you’d rather eliminate the need for a ski boot altogether, some foot prostheses made specifically for skiing can be inserted directly into the ski binding. This allows you to skip the boot and can be configured to fit just about any binding you’ve got.

Finally, if you’re really serious about snow skiing with a prosthesis, there is the option to have an entire leg prosthesis made specifically for hitting the slopes! These devices can incorporate a foot that is already tilted at the proper angle for a boot, better hip control and suspension, and an elastic fork strap that goes down over the knee joint and limits the amount that it will flex – a must when you are skiing downhill! This strap can easily be disconnected when walking so that you can bend the joint properly.

Questions about Snow Skiing with a Prosthesis?

Whatever your question,BioTech is here with the answer! We specialize in helping our patients recognize their possibilities and live a full, happy life. If you’ve got questions or concerns about snow skiing with a prosthesis – or anything else! – don’t hesitate tocontact us today. We are always ready to help!